Chelsea

Why Chelsea should forget the EPL title chase

At full time on Saturday, Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte looked like a man well beaten. His team had been dealt a crucial blow in the title race by bitter rivals, Manchester City who sent an ominous message to the rest of the league that they are on a mission to win the league. Chelsea had no answer for City’s attacking prowess and movement, and the 1-0 scoreline flattered The Blues, who were roundly outplayed by City’s band of musicians who played football like an orchestra in motion: football in it’s purest form, a work of art.

Italy’s coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Euro 2016 group H qualifying football match between Italy and Malta on September 3, 2015 at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images)

Chelsea last year’s champions had looked the part after decisioning Atletico Madrid away in Spain last Wednesday but it seemed the exertions of playing two high-profile matches in the space of three days took its toll on the Chelsea players. The players were fatigued and looked surprisingly out of depths against a City side looking strong in all departments. The Manchester clubs strengthened heavily in the close season, identifying areas of weakness and their squads have the players to show for it.

Conte moaned all summer about Chelsea’s lack of major transfer activity before a late transfer window splurge saw them sign the likes of Davide Zappacosta and Danny Drinkwater. The tactical naivety Conte displays in big games is alarming, as Guardiola outmaneuvered him time and time again. Just like Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho outfoxed him last season at Old Trafford, he looked bereft of ideas.

Chelsea are fourth on the league table, some six points behind joint leaders, City and United who have lit up the league with goals, grit and defensive stability, traits Chelsea showed on the way to winning the league in stunning fashion last term, with a record 30 wins and a mammoth 93 points. The Blues can take a cue from last season, as they were tipped to just challenge for the Champions League, but went on to win the league.

Lack of a deep squad, consistency issues and loss of big dressing room personalities like Diego Costa and John Terry is threatening their season and if the rot is not addressed, it. Could be another long season. Time is running out to show they can still make it count.